FAQ
What do you do?
At the McMinn Research Centre we are working to solve a number of difficulties faced in the field of orthopaedic medicine through a series of projects which will utilise cutting edge technology and invention.
I'm interested in a project, how do i find out more?
You can read more about our current and past projects by visiting our current projects page.
How are you funded?
We are funded by donations from members of the public.
Who are your collaborators?
We are currently in partnership with Imperial College London.
What are the clinical trials?
Clinical Trials are medical research studies that test the safety and efficacy of treatments. They look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Treatments can be new drugs, a new combination of drugs or new ways to use current treatments. A ‘trial’ when it comes to medical research is therefore a way of testing something.
Why is a clinical trial important?
Before a drug can be prescribed we need to know if it works, if it works better than current treatments and whether it has any side effects. Until a well-designed trial has been completed, we may not have sufficient evidence to know whether a treatment really works, and importantly whether it works safely and without causing any harm.
what are the benefits of taking part in a research project?
Taking part in a research study means that you will have more contact with medical staff than you normally do. During the trial, your treatment and progress may be monitored more closely than if you were not taking part in a research study..
What are the risks of taking part on a research project?
When designing a clinical trial, every effort is made to reduce and eliminate any risk factors. Any known risks will be explained to you by the study team before you agree to take part in the trial.
If you decide to participate in a clinical trial, it's possible you'll experience unexpected side effects. For this reason you will be monitored closely in order to detect any side effects or changes. If you take part in a research trial, it is important that you tell the research team about any illness or changes in health that you experience.
Will my medical information remain confidential?
When taking part in a clinical trial, healthcare professionals other than your doctor will need to see your medical records. However, everyone follows the same confidentiality guidelines in according with the Data Protection Act.
Clinical trials often take place across several hospitals or even internationally and we may need to share information across sites. If this is required, your personal details will not be included.